Volkswagen announces 'Most Powerful GTI'

Volkswagen has used the annual Worthersee Festival to showcase a new Golf GTI Concept, which will spawn a road-going production version. Let's meet the Golf GTI TCR Concept

Named after the European Touring Car Racing series, the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR Concept boasts a top speed of 263 kph and the big news is that Volkswagen has confirmed that its almost ready for production. Essentially, what you're seeing here is the road-going version of the racing car, which makes for exciting reading.

Jürgen Stackmann, Sales, Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, said: “At the moment, the Golf GTI TCR Concept – an athlete derived from racing – is a study. But at the end of the year, we want to make this GTI vision come true.” Under the skin lurks a modified version of the EA888 turbocharged 2.0-litre motor, ramped up to produce 213 kW and 380 Nm. All that grunt goes to the front wheels via a standard 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The vehicle also features a limited-slip differential.

The new Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR features 18-inch “Belvedere” forged aluminum-alloy wheels as standard, with newly designed 19-inch alloys as an option. For performance stopping power, perforated brake discs together with special callipers and pads are fitted. For those wanting even more, drivers can opt for a package that removes the speed limiter, adds on the bigger wheels, a sports chassis setting and adaptive damping.

You'll be able to stop the most powerful GTI with its new front bumper and contoured front splitter. There are new side skirts, rear diffuser and exhaust tailpipes. TCR lettering is featured and you can opt for GTI-style honeycomb trim for the side of the new GTI TCR. Inside, there are new-look sports seats with special stitching on the steering wheel and gear shifter.

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Having contributed to multiple motoring titles as well helping run the public relations machine of the Johannesburg International Motor Show, Dave has experience in both sides of the motoring industry. He's based in the Western Cape and has driven & photographed too many cars... he's still trying to remember them all.